New coach of Algeria, Vladimir Petkovic gave the broad outlines of what he intended to do at the head of the Fennecs.
The lean years continue for the Algerian national team. Winners of the 2019 African Cup of Nations, the Fennecs have since gained nothing, but above all have suffered enormous disappointments. No 2022 World Cup (they have not participated in a World Cup since 2014) and two consecutive eliminations in the first round of CAN 2021 and 2023. Too much for Djamel Belmadi finally ousted from his position as coach. Appointed on February 29 to replace him, Vladimir Petkovic wants to relaunch the selection. He presented his action plan this Monday.
The one who was on the Switzerland bench when the latter took out France in the round of 16 of Euro 2021, explained that he wanted to revitalize the Algerian team. “ I did not come to participate, but to winr,” he asserted, in comments relayed by RMC. Then admitting that he had some hesitation in taking up the challenge before “(taking) awareness of the possibilities », the tactician above all wanted to turn a page. “ The most important thing is to close one door and open a new one with my arrival. It is important to start from scratch. »
Adli for a first?
A new start that he hopes will be beneficial to the internationals he will call, he who hopes to ensure that the players can meet the expectations of the supporters and ” of a proud people who expect results “. As for the pressure inherent in his new functions, Vladimir Petkovic was very philosophical. “ I’m used to pressure and in the world of football, it’s completely normal. If you want to evolve at the highest level, it’s not normal if there is no pressure. »
The new coach of Algeria will very quickly have the opportunity to assess his team, since the Fennecs will play two friendly matches between now and the end of the month, first against Bolivia on March 22, before facing South Africa on March 26. Vladimir Petkovic should offer some new features and potential surprises in the construction of his list, currently expanded to forty-five players. Yacine Adli could be one of them.
